An Event-Planner Vacay: A Sweet Workplace Romance, #1

By Paris McCoy

Victoria meets the man of her dreams... while pretending to be somebody else.

Victoria has become the sought-after event planner at Avalon. Her events are breathtaking and thoughtful, and always top-of-the-line. But when Avalon merges with another larger event company, she's forced into a vacation she never wanted, all while pretending to be her new boss. Even if she gets to visit the gorgeous Holloway castle in England, it still means she'll miss Christmas with her parents. They've been counting on her, and it hurts to know she's letting them down.

Oliver has secrets too, and he's holding something back. As they grow steadily closer, she finds herself hopelessly in love with the blue-eyed billionaire. But finding the right time to tell him her true identity becomes increasingly difficult. Bigger problems emerge as enemies go to dangerous lengths to see both of their companies fail.

Before she has the chance to explain, her true identity is ousted. Too humiliated to face him again, Victoria rushes home. But Oliver isn't about to lose the woman he loves.

A fast-paced, heartfelt romance that will leave you daydreaming.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paris McCoy
• Release date: Mar 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224556632

Book preview

Chapter One

Victoria was accustomed to being greeted at work like a favorite cousin.

Hello Tori!

Mornin’ Tori!

But what she found that Monday morning was far from usual. Mark, the ever jolly, ever boisterous manager, had become a force. Like a heavily laden freight train that had reached full speed. She hopped out of the way as he barreled by with a massive box.

Pardon me, Tori. He paused to gasp in a breath as drops of perspiration dripped from his chin. Are you just getting in? he huffed. Don’t you know what today is?

He continued down the hall, disappearing around a corner before she could reply. Leaning to the side, she peered after him, her long auburn hair sliding off her shoulder. The rest of the building was just as frenzied. With a quick scan of the upper floor, she spotted at least a dozen people, not all of them familiar. She’d never seen anything like it at Avalon—and she’d worked there since she was fifteen. In that time, she’d managed to go from staging all the way up to head planner. It was something she took to naturally.

Better get your office straightened up, Tori, Shae said, holding a large potted plant. The merger is today. Didn’t you read the email? With a sigh, Tori thought about the sad state of her inbox. Her office was the only enclosed room on the floor, and she doubted having papers strewn about would inspire the new owner’s confidence.

Getting to it, she called after Shae. When she opened her office door, someone gasped behind her, no doubt seeing the mess. Tori stepped in quickly and closed the door. It really wasn’t that bad. There was order amongst the chaos. The papers stacked long were invoices, while the papers stacked wide were plans. Then there were the future projects and piles of pictures.

Quickly whipping out a few file folders, she got to work sorting it all. The task was easy and hardly took ten minutes. After the floor was uncovered, there wasn’t much more to do. She twisted the blinds to let in light and switched on a candle warmer for essence.

Done.

It wasn’t until she returned to the main floor that she started to get nervous. Like, butterflies nervous. Which was strange. Sure, she felt anxious from time to time, but it just didn’t belong at Avalon. It wasn’t what customers wanted to feel when booking an event company. They had enough stress already with whatever wedding, party, or gathering they were hosting. Tori’s job was to take away as much of that stress as she could. She was there to make sure their event was more beautiful and tasteful than they’d ever imagined. And she had a reputation for delivering on those expectations. But now, as she looked around at the rigid and terrified faces of her co-workers, she lost her famously ever-present confidence.

So, remind me of the schedule for today? she asked Mark, both of them standing along the back wall with their eyes on the elevator.

Mark snorted, clearly irritated. For goodness sake Tori, check your email! He glanced at her. "The merger is today. This is big. New York big. Global big. Ms. Ava Randall-Cullens—you should have that name memorized, by the way—is our new queen. So be ready to bow so low your nose touches the floor."

The elevator opened before Mark had the chance to wipe his brow, and the room snapped to attention. Everyone waited in terrified silence as men in brown work shirts filed out of the small elevator. They each stepped aside, right and left, until they formed a symmetrical V pointing to a woman whose gaze could only be compared to ice. It chilled the room, snuffing out every last smile. Her movements were slow and purposeful, as if she were communicating with each step. Her expression, even behind massive, round sunglasses, was hostile.

Tori glanced to Mark, her superior. She waited for him to say something, but he stood frozen with another bead of perspiration hanging off the tip of his nose. Tori brushed forward and held out her hand, ignoring the snort-like cough behind her. Hello, Ms. Randall-Cullens, welcome to Avalon.

Nothing happened. And as the seconds ticked by, Tori’s hand wavered in the air between them. Slowly, Ms. Cullens removed her sunglasses. Her face was beautiful, with the delicate features and high cheekbones of a model. Her black hair shone like ebony against her smooth, pale skin. Still Tori waited, her shoulder pinching a little with the effort of keeping her hand extended. It wasn’t until Ms. Cullens took a step back that Tori finally let her hand drop.

Thank you, Ms. Cullens offered, looking like she would rather have said nothing. Let's understand each other right now, she continued, addressing the room, her voice a low hum. I do not want input on the direction of this company. It has already been decided. Also, you are not to deviate from my designs. They need nothing added or taken away. This change will elevate Avalon to compete in the global market, and I have every reason to believe we will dominate. I ask that you give this merger your full support and embrace it wholeheartedly. Thank you.

With that, she turned a slow circle and began her ghostly walk back to the elevator, her crew filing in after her.

The room was completely still, even after the doors had closed. Tori was sure that at least half of her co-workers had already posted their resumes to job sites. And she didn’t blame them.

It had been her first Christmas at Avalon that had kindled her adoration of the company. All its brilliance showed through at Christmastime. The first day of December had been nothing less than magical, with the entrance to Avalon strewn with a thousand twinkling lights and lampposts wrapped in boughs of thick pine garland. But inside the building was where the magic really happened. Christmas trees had graced every spare corner and sparkled through layers of glittering white stars and red satin bows. Wreaths as big as a car hung in the entrance, and the smell of pine filled every room. She’d walked through that day in a trance. Amazed and inspired. From then on, she’d planned every event with one goal: to make each client feel like she had that day. Christmas at Avalon was something she looked forward to every year.

Now as her gaze wandered the room, she couldn’t help but wonder if this merger would change all that. Her co-workers stood dazed and disheartened, looking to each other for reassurance. But all their hopeful faces were met with was silence.

Mark cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention. Let’s try and give Ms. Randall-Cullens a warm welcome. He smiled about the room as if attempting to lighten the mood. There are bound to be some bumps in a new venture like this. Don’t be discouraged. It will all turn out fine. He straightened up. So let’s get on with it. Back to work. We’ve only got one week until December, folks, this is our golden time of year. Let’s make sure Avalon shines like never before.

A few smiles appeared, but whether it was due to his overly zealous speech or because he’d actually set them at ease, Tori wasn’t sure. Regardless, everyone headed back to their desks and got to work.

Mark and Tori headed back to her office. The second the door closed, Tori spun around. "Please tell me you know what she means by my plans," she complained, leaning against her desk.

Mark glanced behind them. Now Tori, he started, his voice lowered. She’s not here to change things that are running smoothly. As it is—

"Sounds like she’s here to change everything, Tori interrupted. We’re almost into December, Mark! And she’s talking like we have to turn in every project we’ve got. It’s crazy! Do you know how many clients I have lined up right now?"

Mark shook his head, holding his hands up in front of him. His signature move, like he was trying to calm the aura around him. If you think about it, he said, quietly, All she’s asking for is a chance. Does that sound so terrible? Didn’t I take a chance on you? He gave